'Survivor' Legend Rob Cesternino Ranks His Top 10 Favorite Episodes of All Time (Exclusive)
Few people understand the strategic evolution and lasting legacy of Survivor better than Rob Cesternino. Referred to by Jeff Probst as "the smartest player to never win," the two-time contestant turned his passion for the game into a podcast powerhouse with Rob Has a Podcast.
Now, as Pluto TV launches a dedicated 24/7 Survivor channel featuring a month-long marathon of all 49 seasons, The Amazon alum is looking back at the show's biggest moments and episodes. Ahead of the historic Survivor 50 premiere on Wednesday, February 25, the reality TV expert exclusively shares his ranking of the 10 most essential episodes every fan needs to see.
Scroll down to see Rob's favorite episodes and his reasons why! Did your favorites make the list?
MONTY BRINTON/CBS
1. "Sour Grapes" — Survivor: The Amazon (Season 6, Episode 12)
“I may be biased, but this is an episode that truly highlights the danger of overplaying your hand on Survivor.”
2. "Anger, Tears and Chaos" — Survivor: All-Stars (Season 8, Episode 11)
“This massive Survivor betrayal is a foundational piece of Boston Rob’s reality television legacy. Maybe the most important moment of the Survivor old era.”
3. "It's a Turtle?!" — Survivor: Fiji (Season 14, Episode 10)
“The Four Horsemen meet their apocalypse.”
Monty Brinton/CBS
4. "If It Smells Like a Rat, Give It Cheese!" — Survivor: Micronesia (Season 16, Episode 13)
“Erik Reichenbach gave away his necklace. In exchange, he will be famous forever… but not the way he hoped.”
5. "Going Down in Flames" — Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20, Episode 10)
“This episode is a love letter to Survivor strategy. Perhaps a sore subject for the person voted out.”
6. "Zipping Over the Cuckoo's Nest" — Survivor: Caramoan (Season 26, Episode 10)
“The three amigos’ finest hour.”
Robert Voets/CBS
7. "You Get What You Give" — Survivor: David vs. Goliath (Season 37, Episode 8)
“The Davids are outnumbered but band together to take down the biggest Goliath.”
8. "This Is Extortion" — Survivor: Winners at War (Season 40, Episode 11)
“Perhaps the greatest singular episode for any one player in Survivor history. It’s Tony’s magnum opus.”
9. "Telenovela" — Survivor 43 (Season 43, Episode 9)
“The high point of Survivor 43 when Jesse pulls off the ultimate blindside to take out Cody with his own idol.”
10. "Operation: Italy" — Survivor 47 (Season 47, Episode 9)
“The biggest Survivor heist of the modern era when Andy, Genevieve, and Sam hatch a plan over pasta.”
You can catch all of these episodes and more on Pluto TV's dedicated 24/7 Survivor channel, currently streaming all 49 seasons for free. Fans can also join Rob for a live stream-a-long of Survivor: The Amazon on Pluto TV's social channels on Wednesday, February 18th at 7 p.m. ET.
Related: Savannah Louie and Rizo Velovic on Survivor’s 9-Day Turnaround to Season 50 (Exclusive)